Nasopharyngeal swab: Use flocked swab/Universal Transport Medium for collection. Insert swab into the nostril, gently rotating the swab inward until resistance is met at the level of the turbinates. Rotate the swab a few times against the nasopharyngeal wall (approximately 10 sec) and then withdraw swab. Insert swab into container with Universal Transport Medium. Break end of swab so top of vial can be screwed on securely. Appropriately label specimen and send to the laboratory.

Negative results do not preclude respiratory virus infection and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment or other management decisions.

Testing of specimens other than NP swabs falls outside of the approved manufacturer's specimen recommendation as prescribed in the xTAG(R)-RVP package insert. The performance of this assay has been determined by the UCSF laboratory as acceptable for alternative respiratory specimen types such as BAL, bronchial wash, endotrachael aspirate, etc. Results should be used in conjunction with clinical findings.

This assay cannot adequately detect Adenovirus species C, or serotypes 7a and 41.

The primers for detection of Rhinovirus have been shown to cross-react with Enterovirus.